By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) Institute of Management and Technology in Abuja has empowered 199 barracks youths on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The youths were the first batch of ICT trainees under the institute’s Youth Empowerment Project for Barracks Youths 2025 to graduate on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries underwent six weeks intensive computer training at the institute.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended NAOWA for providing the youth with the skills needed in the current digital environment for self reliance.

Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdulsalam, said the training was a powerful testament to what visionary leadership, community commitment, and strategic collaboration could achieve.

He said the programme fully focused on key concerns of the national priorities which include youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and community development.

“Indeed, the initiative not only opens doors for new opportunities, but also lays solid foundation for youth contribution to national development.

“Since its inception, this project has empowered hundreds of young men and women from our barracks communities, first on purpose, then with skills, and finally with confidence to pursue greater works.

“Today’s graduates are joining the legacy, and I believe their stories of the three weeks’ growth and transformation will inspire many others in the months and years to come,” he said.

The COAS said that the ICT intervention was not just a vocational scheme, but a strategic investment in the nation’s future; in a world increasingly driven by technology where digital literacy was as essential as traditional literacy.

He commended the determination and discipline exhibited by the trainees throughout the period, saying they are living proofs that “when opportunity meets preparedness, great things happen”.

Oluyede urged the youth to apply the new skills to improve their lives, uplift others, and contribute to the development of the nation.

He said the Nigerian Army would be resolutely committed to supporting programmes that uplift soldiers’ families, and promote sustainable peace and development in the society.

Earlier, the President of NAOWA and Wife of the COAS, Mrs Mernan Oluyede, said the graduation was a celebration of achievement, progress, and the promise of a brighter future.

Oluyede said the ceremony was not merely the conclusion of training, but marked the beginning of new possibilities, fueled by vision, shaped by determination, and sustained by purposeful leadership.

According to her, at the core of NAOWA’s mission is empowerment through education, training, and skills acquisition borne from the urgent need to create sustainable livelihoods within barracks communities.

“This ICT programme equips our youth with the technical tools and confidence they need to succeed in a technology-driven world.

“This initiative embodies NAOWA’s values of service, compassion, and community development.

“We believe that true empowerment is not a hand-out but a hand-up-building capacity, instilling confidence, and promoting competence for lasting change,” she said.

The NAOWA president said the graduates embraced the challenge, committed themselves to learning, and emerged stronger and better equipped for the future.

She urged them to carry not only their certificates, but also a mindset of resilience, innovation, and excellence, as they stepped out.

Also, the President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, represented by Mrs Jane Undiandeye, said that acquiring ICT skills was not just an advantage, but a necessity.

Musa said the youths had been equipped with tools to innovate, compete, and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

“Each of you has shown dedication, resilience, and a hunger for knowledge, ” she urged.

In her remarks, a former President of NAOWA, Mrs Hadiza Dambazau, commended NAOWA for its visionary leadership and dedication to uplifting the barracks communities through impactful programmes.

Dambazau congratulated the graduates for acquiring vital digital and entrepreneurial skills that aligned with the current global economy.

One of the graduates, Josephine John, thanked NAOWA president for providing them the opportunity to acquire means of earning livelihood through the empowerment training.

According to her, life becomes useful and meaningful with productive skills.

“For us, we are not only graduating from this prestigious institute, we have indeed acquired economic skills to decently survive.

“I want to express our collective appreciation to our mother, the NAOWA President for providing the needed resources that facilitated our successful training in NIMTA,” John said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Sadiya Hamza